LOOKING BEHIND POSTED JOB OPPORTUNITIES VS THE REALITY OF A JOB SEARCH

The media and/or state officials brag how the rate of unemployment has dropped, as well as how many jobs are posted, and yet ask someone unemployed how the "job market" is, and their responses are often substantially less optimistic.  How can this be?


Employers today have specific competencies, skills, and requirements for each open job and are not usually willing to "settle" for anything less.  For instance, some released employees have many years of experience in a particular field, though they may not have a college degree.  Therefore, those experienced unemployed candidates without degrees are not even considered for the position.


Employers have every right to be selective and set up requirements that they deem necessary for an effective and productive employee.  However, those without the degree may only be short 2-4 classes and have done the type of work matching the open position.  With this in mind, if you ask employers and human resources professionals about the ability of a new college grad with NO experience, most will admit that is a huge void. n (Sorry, but often true.)


The Job Market is still VERY competitive.  Some other areas that can make it difficult for the job search candidate include those who have specific skills in one industry, which could be easily transferrable in another industry, and yet the employer wants both specific job skills as well as experience in one particular industry.


To those candidates with this last challenge, give serious thought to volunteering in the "other industry" to learn about their environment, specific challenges and needs, and possible misunderstood perspectives.  Volunteering can help to fill the void and give you solid insight -- even if you feel you could do the work.  Volunteering can be a way to bridge this gap.


There are also candidates who are in a particular stage of their lives, where they aren't seeking to be the "head of a department, etc.", even though they have the experience and capabilities.  Too many job candidates hear that they are "over qualified".  So employers shy away from hiring them, concerned that the employee will jump ship when a better opportunity arises.  Big Mistake on the employer's side -- as a growing number of employees need to continue working but no longer desire or want the lead position.


If job search candidates are targeting your company as an employer, and they express a sincere interest in working for you, take this seriously.  Many job seekers are choosing a job doing what they like and feel passionate about over a bigger salary or taking the lead position. 


There are many good, hard-working, and dependable job candidates who would make excellent employees, though short a few classes from a degree.  Employers are encouraged to note a candidate's enthusiasm, perseverance, and honest approach about what is important to them regarding employment.  If their background checks and references support their comments, you may just have a "winner" of a candidate. 


On a regular basis I hear too many good candidates frustrated when not given a chance or scratched off the list for what seems to be "an item of little concern".  As an employer myself, I know how some "good candidates" don't always "sparkle or shine".  Sometimes the ones that seem perfect are the least productive.  Reality has taught me that.  Please be aware that there are many competent, reliable and talented people with much to offer an employer.